Why Is Your Polycrylic Streaking? Uncover The Causes And Solutions!

Polycrylic is a water-based finish that is often used to protect and beautify wood surfaces. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. However, sometimes polycrylic can streak, leaving an uneven finish. This can be frustrating, especially if you have spent a lot of time and effort on your project.

Causes of Polycrylic Streaking

There are a few reasons why polycrylic might streak.

• Applying too much polycrylic: If you apply too much polycrylic, it can start to pool and streak. This is especially true if you are using a brush to apply the finish.
• Not stirring the polycrylic thoroughly: If you do not stir the polycrylic thoroughly before using it, the solids can settle to the bottom of the can. This can cause the finish to apply unevenly and streak.
• Applying polycrylic to a dirty or oily surface: If the surface you are finishing is dirty or oily, the polycrylic will not adhere properly and can streak.
• Using a brush that is too stiff: If you are using a brush to apply the polycrylic, make sure it is a soft brush. A stiff brush can leave brush marks and streaks.
• Applying polycrylic in a humid environment: If you are applying polycrylic in a humid environment, the finish can dry too quickly and streak.

How to Avoid Polycrylic Streaking

There are a few things you can do to avoid polycrylic streaking:

• Apply polycrylic in thin coats: Apply several thin coats of polycrylic instead of one thick coat. This will help to prevent the finish from pooling and streaking.
• Stir the polycrylic thoroughly before using it: Stir the polycrylic thoroughly before each use to make sure the solids are evenly distributed.
• Clean and degrease the surface before applying polycrylic: Make sure the surface you are finishing is clean and free of dirt, oil, and grease.
• Use a soft brush to apply polycrylic: Use a soft brush to apply polycrylic. A stiff brush can leave brush marks and streaks.
• Apply polycrylic in a dry environment: Apply polycrylic in a dry environment to prevent the finish from drying too quickly and streaking.

How to Fix Polycrylic Streaking

If you have already applied polycrylic and it has streaked, there are a few things you can do to fix it:

• Sand the finish smooth: Sand the finish smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. This will help to remove the streaks and create a more even surface.
• Reapply polycrylic: Reapply polycrylic to the surface, following the tips above to avoid streaking.

Tips for Applying Polycrylic

Here are a few tips for applying polycrylic:

• Use a high-quality brush: Use a high-quality brush that is designed for applying finishes. A good brush will help to apply the finish evenly and smoothly.
• Apply polycrylic in the direction of the grain: Apply polycrylic in the direction of the grain of the wood. This will help to prevent the finish from streaking.
• Allow each coat of polycrylic to dry completely before applying the next coat: Allow each coat of polycrylic to dry completely before applying the next coat. This will help to prevent the finish from peeling or chipping.

Alternatives to Polycrylic

If you are looking for an alternative to polycrylic, there are a few other finishes that you can consider:

• Shellac: Shellac is a natural finish that is made from the resin of the lac beetle. It is easy to apply and dries quickly. Shellac is a good choice for finishing furniture and other wood surfaces.
• Lacquer: Lacquer is a synthetic finish that is made from nitrocellulose. It is durable and dries quickly. Lacquer is a good choice for finishing furniture, cabinets, and other wood surfaces.
• Varnish: Varnish is a natural finish that is made from the resin of trees. It is durable and dries slowly. Varnish is a good choice for finishing floors, furniture, and other wood surfaces.

Wrap Up

Polycrylic is a popular finish for wood surfaces, but it can sometimes streak. By following the tips in this blog post, you can avoid polycrylic streaking and achieve a beautiful, even finish.

Basics You Wanted To Know

• Q: Why is my polycrylic streaking?

A: There are a few reasons why polycrylic might streak, including applying too much polycrylic, not stirring the polycrylic thoroughly, applying polycrylic to a dirty or oily surface, using a brush that is too stiff, and applying polycrylic in a humid environment.

• Q: How can I avoid polycrylic streaking?

A: To avoid polycrylic streaking, apply polycrylic in thin coats, stir the polycrylic thoroughly before using it, clean and degrease the surface before applying polycrylic, use a soft brush to apply polycrylic, and apply polycrylic in a dry environment.

• Q: How can I fix polycrylic streaking?

A: To fix polycrylic streaking, sand the finish smooth with fine-grit sandpaper and then reapply polycrylic, following the tips above to avoid streaking.